Dresden Files Cooperative Card Game
- October 31, 2017
- Hidden Achievement LLC
- 140h median play time
Get on Steam"Dresden Files Cooperative Card Game" is a tabletop-style card game set in the Dresden Files universe. Players work together to solve cases based on novels in the series, using abilities and items of characters like Harry Dresden and Murphy. The game features a cooperative gameplay style, high replayability, and varying difficulties to keep players engaged and challenged.
Reviews
- Faithful representation of the physical card game, capturing the essence of the Dresden Files universe.
- Challenging gameplay that rewards strategic thinking and offers a sense of accomplishment when winning.
- Solid digital adaptation with smooth gameplay and the ability to play solo or cooperatively.
- High reliance on RNG can lead to frustratingly impossible situations, making it difficult to win even on easier modes.
- The game lacks intuitive mechanics and can be confusing for new players, especially without a comprehensive tutorial.
- Many players feel the price is too high for the content provided, especially considering the need for additional DLC for more gameplay.
- gameplay21 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 71 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
Gameplay is characterized by a mix of easy-to-learn mechanics and a high level of randomness that can overshadow strategy, leading to frustrating experiences where luck plays a significant role in outcomes. While character abilities offer variety and the game is visually appealing, many players feel that the gameplay lacks depth and can be unforgiving, especially for beginners. Overall, the game is addictive and engaging for fans, but it suffers from balance issues and a reliance on chance that detracts from the strategic elements.
“Even though there are only so many ways to play with the mechanics, each character’s abilities manage to feel pretty different from the others.”
“Love the theme, and the gameplay is quick and easy to learn, but challenging enough to keep me entertained.”
“Pros: it's nicely put together and contains all the characters a Harry Dresden fan could wish for. The mechanics of the card battles are easy to learn but difficult to really master, which makes each victory one to be savored.”
“The showdown is a terrible mechanic.”
“There's way too much luck of the draw and way too little actual strategy, and the gameplay just isn't that interesting even when a combo works out.”
“The second huge issue that deals with the gameplay is how the random dispersal of cards can and will put you in situations that are literally impossible to win, regardless of how effective your plays are.”
- graphics15 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are generally simple and functional, with a focus on card artwork that some players appreciate while others criticize for its lack of quality. While the game runs smoothly even on older systems and features ambient sounds that enhance the experience, the overall aesthetic is considered underwhelming due to minimal animations and a reliance on artwork from the physical card game.
“To keep players invested, the developer has included wonderful artwork on each of the cards as well as ambient noises that add flavor to each location.”
“I love the art that they put together for this game, with the overall graphics being very simple, but appealing.”
“As with the physical game, I like the artwork (for the most part) of the cards and character depictions, and the card designs themselves aren't overly flashy or obnoxious with their layout or designation.”
“Oh and I just have to say--could the artwork be any worse?”
“I realize they just incorporated the terrible artwork from the actual physical card game.”
“But omg how did they ever market a product with artwork that was done by a middle school art student?”
- story12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game's story is largely criticized for its lack of depth, with some players likening it to a series of random events rather than a cohesive narrative. While fans of Jim Butcher's Dresden Files may appreciate the thematic elements, many agree that it lacks the complexity and engagement expected from a traditional RPG. Overall, the story feels more like a backdrop to gameplay rather than a central focus, leaving players wanting more substance.
“Epic story.”
“If you are one of the many who have followed Jim Butcher's writings into the Dresden Files, as the characters and story have evolved into an epic tale of modern-day wizardry, this game is excellent to indulge in. If you just enjoy a good short board game with friends online, this is again an incredible game.”
“Can you figure out how to maximize your team's inherent abilities versus this story's unique gimmick?”
“This game has no story.”
“Otherwise, it has about as much story as a book of Mad Libs.”
“But if you're looking for an RPG, this game isn't it, as there's no real storyline involved.”
- music11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating its unobtrusive nature that allows for better focus on gameplay, while others find it repetitive and forgettable. Although there are options for varying soundtracks, many users noted a lack of distinct musical elements, leading to a desire for a more engaging audio experience. Overall, the sound effects are present, but the absence of a compelling music score leaves some players wanting more.
“I like that it's not overly flashy in animations or crazy music; it lets me focus on actual game strategy, and not waiting for silly card flip animations.”
“The background sounds are neat and unobtrusive, and you don't have to put up with someone's idea of 'epic battle' music in a game based on a guy sneaking around to beat the bad guys more through trickery (and then brute force...) than brute force.”
“Given the fact that there appear to be soundtrack settings with a number of different track options available, it strikes me as fairly odd that there is very little audio to it.”
“The music and background sounds that keep looping get old fast.”
“The music and sound effects are a mixed bag: the music is supposed to vary by each book's deck, but save for one or two noticeable sounds, it all kind of sounds the same and is forgettable.”
“It strikes me as fairly odd that there is very little audio to it, given the fact that there appear to be soundtrack settings with a number of different track options available.”
- replayability5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The game offers significant replayability through its higher difficulty levels, diverse character decks, and unique scenarios, allowing players to explore various playstyles and challenges. The combination of randomized elements and character mixing enhances the experience, ensuring that each playthrough feels fresh and engaging. Overall, players find the replay value to be surprisingly high, especially considering the game's price point.
“The variety of characters and playstyles means that there’s plenty of replay value and personal style to enjoy.”
“But the higher difficulties, the different nature of each book, and the different character decks you can try them with offer a wide variety of difficulty and playstyles to complete each scenario with lots of replay value.”
“Overall, it's a fun game with a surprisingly high amount of replayability.”
“Solid replay value - mixing and matching the various characters and scenarios along with the randomized elements makes for a significant challenge each time you play.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, users report mixed experiences with stability, noting a few glitches in an otherwise large number of games. However, some express dissatisfaction, labeling the version as extremely buggy and overpriced.
“This appears to be an extremely buggy version that's overpriced as well.”
“That's only two glitches out of (easily) sixty games so far, so I'm happy enough at the moment.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game features engaging puzzles, but players note that effective optimization is crucial for success, highlighting a missed opportunity for a more seamless experience.
“The game itself is a fine and interesting puzzle that absolutely requires optimization to succeed.”
“The optimization mechanics add a layer of depth that keeps the gameplay engaging and challenging.”
“I love how the game encourages players to think critically about their strategies and optimize their resources for the best outcomes.”
“It's a bit of a pity because the game itself is a fine and interesting puzzle that absolutely requires optimization to succeed.”
“The optimization in this game is severely lacking, making it frustrating to progress.”
“I found the optimization to be a major hurdle, as it often detracts from the overall experience.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is appreciated for its thematic absurdity, often eliciting laughter from fans of the source material due to its playful and silly approach to the storylines.
“I'm a big fan of the books - this game has made me laugh many times with the thematic absurdity I've inflicted on the storylines!”
“The humor in this game is brilliantly absurd, making even the most serious moments feel lighthearted and fun.”
“I love how the game cleverly mixes humor with gameplay, keeping me entertained while I navigate through the challenges.”
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Character development is highlighted by the distinct talents and stunts assigned to each character, which align well with their design and enhance gameplay through strategic card discards and unique abilities.
“Each character has a unique talent that comes into play when you discard cards for fate, along with a stunt that serves as a one-time use ability, perfectly aligning with their character design.”
“The depth of character development is impressive, as each character's abilities and talents are intricately tied to their backstory and personality.”
“I love how the game allows for meaningful character growth, with choices that genuinely affect their skills and relationships throughout the story.”
“The character development feels shallow, with limited growth and no real impact on the story.”
“I was disappointed by how predictable the character arcs were; they lacked depth and complexity.”
“Despite having unique talents, the characters don't evolve throughout the game, making them feel one-dimensional.”
